Yes I agree it is tough, but for beauty and tranquility I think it rivals / equals the Camino San Salvador. It is probably equal in toughness too - though the San Salvador is shorter and therfore easier - you are not "up and down" for weeks on end like on th Assisi / Francesco. For tranquility and as Europeans call it "being in nature" the weeks leading to la Verna are even more tranquil and solitary - a whole day can go past without seeing anyone - pilgrim or local!
Your photos are lovely and bring back many memories. When I walked it the only pilgrims I saw were a half a dozen on day one out of Davadola (that is before your starting place) and then again about 4 in La Verna. I saw a couple of these people again in Assisi, but never saw any other plgrims the whole time - only locals.
Congratulations.
A wonderful way indeed. Janet
We just finished the Way of St. Francis in Italy, walking from La Verna in Tuscany to Rome. Fellow Camino enthusiasts: If you are looking for solitude and a new challenge, this might be it. Our journey is at carryoncouple.com. This is a tough walk, but we thought it was wonderful!
